Lucius I

Who they were

Lucius was chosen bishop of Rome in 253, after Pope Cornelius died in exile. In the persecution under the emperor Gallus he too was banished soon after his consecration, but was allowed to return to his flock shortly afterwards. St Cyprian wrote to congratulate him on the twofold glory of confessor and bishop. He died at Rome on 5 March 254.

The miracles

There was never a formal cause: Lucius has been honoured as a saint since the third century.

Why that counted as sanctity

Lucius accepted exile for the faith and returned to shepherd his people, honoured by St Cyprian as both confessor and bishop.

Connected on this site

• Stephen I Saint
  “Stephen, a Roman, was archdeacon of Pope Lucius I, who entrusted the Church to him before his death; he was bishop of Rome from 254 to 257.” — this site's research